Bill Text: IL SB2278 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Enrolled

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

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Bill Title: Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the State or any unit of local government shall not be required to design or construct a new non-designated highway to accommodate truck tractor-semitrailer combinations. Provides that each unit of local government shall (rather than may) report to the Department of Transportation, and the Department shall post on its official website, any limitations prohibiting the operation of vehicles imposed by ordinance or resolution in the unit of local government's non-designated highway system and any non-designated highway that is not designed and constructed after January 1, 2023 to the overall length dimension of vehicles permitted under the Code.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 11-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-06-30 - Public Act . . . . . . . . . 103-0258 [SB2278 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-SB2278-Enrolled.html

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AN ACT concerning transportation.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by
changing Sections 15-107 and 15-116 as follows:
(625 ILCS 5/15-107) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 15-107)
Sec. 15-107. Length of vehicles.
(a) The maximum length of a single vehicle on any highway
of this State may not exceed 42 feet except the following:
(1) Semitrailers.
(2) Charter or regulated route buses may be up to 45
feet in length, not including energy absorbing bumpers.
(a-1) A motor home as defined in Section 1-145.01 may be up
to 45 feet in length, not including energy absorbing bumpers.
The length limitations described in this subsection (a-1)
shall be exclusive of energy-absorbing bumpers and rear view
mirrors.
(b) (Blank).
(c) Except as provided in subsections (c-1) and (c-2),
combinations of vehicles may not exceed a total of 2 vehicles
except the following:
(1) A truck tractor semitrailer may draw one trailer.
(2) A truck tractor semitrailer may draw one converter

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dolly or one semitrailer.
(3) A truck tractor semitrailer may draw one vehicle
that is defined in Chapter 1 as special mobile equipment,
provided the overall dimension does not exceed 60 feet.
(4) A truck in transit may draw 3 trucks in transit
coupled together by the triple saddlemount method.
(5) Recreational vehicles consisting of 3 vehicles,
provided the following:
(A) The total overall dimension does not exceed 60
feet.
(B) The towing vehicle is a properly registered
vehicle capable of towing another vehicle using a
fifth-wheel type assembly.
(C) The second vehicle in the combination of
vehicles is a recreational vehicle that is towed by a
fifth-wheel assembly. This vehicle must be properly
registered and must be equipped with brakes,
regardless of weight.
(D) The third vehicle must be the lightest of the 3
vehicles and be a trailer or semitrailer designed or
used for transporting a boat, all-terrain vehicle,
personal watercraft, or motorcycle.
(E) The towed vehicles may be only for the use of
the operator of the towing vehicle.
(F) All vehicles must be properly equipped with
operating brakes and safety equipment required by this

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Code, except the additional brake requirement in
subdivision (C) of this subparagraph (5).
(6) A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle
or combination of disabled vehicles, provided the towing
vehicle:
(A) Is specifically designed as a tow truck having
a gross vehicle weight rating of at least 18,000
pounds and equipped with air brakes, provided that air
brakes are required only if the towing vehicle is
towing a vehicle, semitrailer, or tractor-trailer
combination that is equipped with air brakes. For the
purpose of this subsection, gross vehicle weight
rating, or GVWR, means the value specified by the
manufacturer as the loaded weight of the tow truck.
(B) Is equipped with flashing, rotating, or
oscillating amber lights, visible for at least 500
feet in all directions.
(C) Is capable of utilizing the lighting and
braking systems of the disabled vehicle or combination
of vehicles.
(D) Does not engage a tow exceeding 50 highway
miles from the initial point of wreck or disablement
to a place of repair. Any additional movement of the
vehicles may occur only upon issuance of authorization
for that movement under the provisions of Sections
15-301 through 15-318 of this Code.

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The Department may by rule or regulation prescribe
additional requirements regarding length limitations for a
tow truck towing another vehicle.
For purposes of this Section, a tow-dolly that merely
serves as substitute wheels for another legally licensed
vehicle is considered part of the licensed vehicle and not
a separate vehicle.
(7) Commercial vehicles consisting of 3 vehicles,
provided the following:
(A) The total overall dimension does not exceed 65
feet.
(B) The towing vehicle is a properly registered
vehicle capable of towing another vehicle using a
fifth-wheel type assembly or a goose-neck hitch ball.
(C) The third vehicle must be the lightest of the 3
vehicles and be a trailer or semitrailer.
(D) All vehicles must be properly equipped with
operating brakes and safety equipment required by this
Code.
(E) The combination of vehicles must be operated
by a person who holds a commercial driver's license
(CDL).
(F) The combination of vehicles must be en route
to a location where new or used trailers are sold by an
Illinois or out-of-state licensed new or used trailer
dealer.

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(c-1) A combination of 3 vehicles is allowed access to any
State designated highway if:
(1) the length of neither towed vehicle exceeds 28.5
feet;
(2) the overall wheel base of the combination of
vehicles does not exceed 62 feet; and
(3) the combination of vehicles is en route to a
location where new or used trailers are sold by an
Illinois or out-of-state licensed new or used trailer
dealer.
(c-2) A combination of 3 vehicles is allowed access from
any State designated highway onto any county, township, or
municipal highway for a distance of 5 highway miles for the
purpose of delivery or collection of one or both of the towed
vehicles if:
(1) the length of neither towed vehicle exceeds 28.5
feet;
(2) the combination of vehicles does not exceed 40,000
pounds in gross weight and 8 feet 6 inches in width;
(3) there is no sign prohibiting that access;
(4) the route is not being used as a thoroughfare
between State designated highways; and
(5) the combination of vehicles is en route to a
location where new or used trailers are sold by an
Illinois or out-of-state licensed new or used trailer
dealer.

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(d) On Class I highways there are no overall length
limitations on motor vehicles operating in combinations
provided:
(1) The length of a semitrailer, unladen or with load,
in combination with a truck tractor may not exceed 53
feet.
(2) The distance between the kingpin and the center of
the rear axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet, in
combination with a truck tractor, may not exceed 45 feet 6
inches. The limit contained in this paragraph (2) shall
not apply to trailers or semi-trailers used for the
transport of livestock as defined by Section 18b-101.
(3) The length of a semitrailer or trailer, unladen or
with load, operated in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer
or truck tractor semitrailer-semitrailer combination, may
not exceed 28 feet 6 inches.
(4) Maxi-cube combinations, as defined in Chapter 1,
may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension.
(5) Combinations of vehicles specifically designed to
transport motor vehicles or boats may not exceed 65 feet
overall dimension. The length limitation is inclusive of
front and rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of
the transported vehicles, as provided in paragraph (i) of
this Section.
(6) Stinger-steered semitrailer vehicles specifically
designed to transport motor vehicles or boats and

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automobile transporters, as defined in Chapter 1, may not
exceed 80 feet overall dimension. The length limitation is
inclusive of front and rear bumpers but exclusive of the
overhang of the transported vehicles, as provided in
paragraph (i) of this Section.
(7) A truck in transit transporting 3 trucks coupled
together by the triple saddlemount method may not exceed
97 feet overall dimension.
(8) A towaway trailer transporter combination may not
exceed 82 feet overall dimension.
Vehicles operating during daylight hours when transporting
poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects of a structural
nature that cannot readily be dismantled or disassembled are
exempt from length limitations, provided that no object may
exceed 80 feet in length and the overall dimension of the
vehicle including the load may not exceed 100 feet. This
exemption does not apply to operation on a Saturday, Sunday,
or legal holiday. Legal holidays referred to in this Section
are the days on which the following traditional holidays are
celebrated: New Year's Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day;
Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day.
Vehicles and loads operated by a public utility while en
route to make emergency repairs to public service facilities
or properties are exempt from length limitations, provided
that during night operations every vehicle and its load must
be equipped with a sufficient number of clearance lamps on

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both sides and marker lamps on the extreme ends of any
projecting load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load.
A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or
combination of disabled vehicles, as provided in paragraph (6)
of subsection (c) of this Section, is exempt from length
limitations.
The length limitations described in this paragraph (d)
shall be exclusive of safety and energy conservation devices,
such as bumpers, refrigeration units or air compressors and
other devices, that the Department may interpret as necessary
for safe and efficient operation; except that no device
excluded under this paragraph shall have by its design or use
the capability to carry cargo.
Section 5-35 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act
relating to procedures for rulemaking shall not apply to the
designation of highways under this paragraph (d).
(e) On Class II highways there are no overall length
limitations on motor vehicles operating in combinations,
provided:
(1) The length of a semitrailer, unladen or with load,
in combination with a truck tractor, may not exceed 53
feet overall dimension.
(2) The distance between the kingpin and the center of
the rear axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet, in
combination with a truck tractor, may not exceed 45 feet 6
inches. The limit contained in this paragraph (2) shall

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not apply to trailers or semi-trailers used for the
transport of livestock as defined by Section 18b-101.
(3) A truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer or truck
tractor semitrailer-semitrailer combination may not exceed
65 feet in dimension from front axle to rear axle.
(4) The length of a semitrailer or trailer, unladen or
with load, operated in a truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer
or truck tractor semitrailer-semitrailer combination, may
not exceed 28 feet 6 inches.
(5) Maxi-cube combinations, as defined in Chapter 1,
may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension.
(6) A combination of vehicles, specifically designed
to transport motor vehicles or boats, may not exceed 65
feet overall dimension. The length limitation is inclusive
of front and rear bumpers but exclusive of the overhang of
the transported vehicles, as provided in paragraph (i) of
this Section.
(7) Stinger-steered semitrailer vehicles specifically
designed to transport motor vehicles or boats may not
exceed 80 feet overall dimension. The length limitation is
inclusive of front and rear bumpers but exclusive of the
overhang of the transported vehicles, as provided in
paragraph (i) of this Section.
(8) A truck in transit transporting 3 trucks coupled
together by the triple saddlemount method may not exceed
97 feet overall dimension.

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(9) A towaway trailer transporter combination may not
exceed 82 feet overall dimension.
Vehicles operating during daylight hours when transporting
poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects of a structural
nature that cannot readily be dismantled or disassembled are
exempt from length limitations, provided that no object may
exceed 80 feet in length and the overall dimension of the
vehicle including the load may not exceed 100 feet. This
exemption does not apply to operation on a Saturday, Sunday,
or legal holiday. Legal holidays referred to in this Section
are the days on which the following traditional holidays are
celebrated: New Year's Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day;
Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day.
Vehicles and loads operated by a public utility while en
route to make emergency repairs to public service facilities
or properties are exempt from length limitations, provided
that during night operations every vehicle and its load must
be equipped with a sufficient number of clearance lamps on
both sides and marker lamps on the extreme ends of any
projecting load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load.
A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle or
combination of disabled vehicles, as provided in paragraph (6)
of subsection (c) of this Section, is exempt from length
limitations.
Local authorities, with respect to streets and highways
under their jurisdiction, may also by ordinance or resolution

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allow length limitations of this subsection (e).
The length limitations described in this paragraph (e)
shall be exclusive of safety and energy conservation devices,
such as bumpers, refrigeration units or air compressors and
other devices, that the Department may interpret as necessary
for safe and efficient operation; except that no device
excluded under this paragraph shall have by its design or use
the capability to carry cargo.
Section 5-35 of the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act
relating to procedures for rulemaking shall not apply to the
designation of highways under this paragraph (e).
(e-1) (Blank).
(e-2) Except as provided in subsection (e-3), combinations
of vehicles over 65 feet in length, with no overall length
limitation except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of
this Section, are allowed access as follows:
(1) From a Class I highway onto any street or highway
for a distance of one highway mile for the purpose of
loading, unloading, food, fuel, repairs, and rest,
provided there is no sign prohibiting that access.
(2) From a Class I or Class II highway onto any
non-designated highway for a distance of 5 highway miles
for the purpose of loading, unloading, food, fuel,
repairs, and rest if:
(A) there is no sign prohibiting that access; and
(B) the route is not being used as a thoroughfare

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between Class I or Class II highways.
(e-3) Combinations of vehicles over 65 feet in length
operated by household goods carriers or towaway trailer
transporter combinations, with no overall length limitations
except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this Section,
have unlimited access to points of loading, unloading, or
delivery to or from a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer.
(f) On non-designated highways, the maximum length
limitations for vehicles in combination are as follows:
(1) A truck tractor in combination with a semitrailer
may not exceed 65 feet overall dimension. An agency or
instrumentality of the State of Illinois or any unit of
local government shall not be required to design or
construct a new non-designated highway or to widen or
otherwise alter a non-designated highway constructed
before January 1, 2018 to accommodate truck
tractor-semitrailer combinations under this paragraph (1).
(2) Semitrailers, unladen or with load, may not exceed
53 feet overall dimension.
(3) A truck tractor-semitrailer-trailer or truck
tractor semitrailer-semitrailer may not exceed 60 feet
overall dimension.
(4) The distance between the kingpin and the center
axle of a semitrailer longer than 48 feet, in combination
with a truck tractor, may not exceed 42 feet 6 inches. The
limit contained in this paragraph (4) shall not apply to

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trailers or semi-trailers used for the transport of
livestock as defined by Section 18b-101.
(g) Length limitations in the preceding subsections of
this Section 15-107 do not apply to the following:
(1) Vehicles operated in the daytime, except on
Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays, when transporting
poles, pipe, machinery, or other objects of a structural
nature that cannot readily be dismantled or disassembled,
provided the overall length of vehicle and load may not
exceed 100 feet and no object exceeding 80 feet in length
may be transported unless a permit has been obtained as
authorized in Section 15-301. As used in this Section,
"legal holiday" means any of the following days: New
Year's Day; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day;
Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas Day.
(2) Vehicles and loads operated by a public utility
while en route to make emergency repairs to public service
facilities or properties, but during night operation every
vehicle and its load must be equipped with a sufficient
number of clearance lamps on both sides and marker lamps
upon the extreme ends of any projecting load to clearly
mark the dimensions of the load.
(3) A tow truck in combination with a disabled vehicle
or combination of disabled vehicles, as provided in
paragraph (6) of subsection (c) of this Section, is exempt
from length limitations.

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The towing vehicle, however, may tow any disabled vehicle
from the initial point of wreck or disablement to a point where
repairs are actually to occur. This movement shall be valid
only on State routes. The tower must abide by posted bridge
weight limits.
All other combinations not listed in this subsection (f)
may not exceed 60 feet overall dimension.
(h) The load upon any vehicle operated alone, or the load
upon the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not
extend more than 3 feet beyond the front wheels of the vehicle
or the front bumper of the vehicle if it is equipped with a
front bumper. The provisions of this subsection (h) shall not
apply to any vehicle or combination of vehicles specifically
designed for the collection and transportation of waste,
garbage, or recyclable materials during the vehicle's
operation in the course of collecting garbage, waste, or
recyclable materials if the vehicle is traveling at a speed
not in excess of 15 miles per hour during the vehicle's
operation and in the course of collecting garbage, waste, or
recyclable materials. However, in no instance shall the load
extend more than 7 feet beyond the front wheels of the vehicle
or the front bumper of the vehicle if it is equipped with a
front bumper.
(i) The load upon the front vehicle of an automobile
transporter or a stinger-steered vehicle specifically designed
to transport motor vehicles shall not extend more than 4 feet

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beyond the foremost part of the transporting vehicle and the
load upon the rear transporting vehicle shall not extend more
than 6 feet beyond the rear of the bed or body of the vehicle.
This paragraph shall only be applicable upon highways
designated in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this Section.
(j) Articulated vehicles comprised of 2 sections, neither
of which exceeds a length of 42 feet, designed for the carrying
of more than 10 persons, may be up to 60 feet in length, not
including energy absorbing bumpers, provided that the vehicles
are:
1. operated by or for any public body or motor carrier
authorized by law to provide public transportation
services; or
2. operated in local public transportation service by
any other person and the municipality in which the service
is to be provided approved the operation of the vehicle.
(j-1) (Blank).
(k) Any person who is convicted of violating this Section
is subject to the penalty as provided in paragraph (b) of
Section 15-113.
(l) (Blank).
(Source: P.A. 101-328, eff. 1-1-20; 102-124, eff. 7-23-21.)
(625 ILCS 5/15-116)
Sec. 15-116. Highway designations.
(a) The Department of Transportation shall maintain and

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provide a listing of all Class I and Class II designated
streets and highways as defined in Chapter 1 of this Code.
(b) The Department shall also maintain and provide a
listing of all local streets or highways that have been
designated Class II by local agencies.
(c) Local agencies shall be responsible for reporting to
the Department all streets and highways under their
jurisdiction designated Class II. Local agencies shall also
provide to the Department reference contact names and
telephone numbers.
(d) The Department shall also maintain and provide an
official map of the Designated State Truck Route System that
includes State and local streets and highways that have been
designated Class I or Class II.
(e) If a unit of local government has no Class II
designated truck routes, the unit of local government shall
affirm to the Department that it has no such truck routes.
(f) Each unit of local government shall may report to the
Department, and the Department shall post on its official
website, any limitations prohibiting the operation of vehicles
imposed by ordinance or resolution in the unit of local
government's non-designated highway system and any
non-designated highway that is not designed and constructed
after January 1, 2023 to the overall length dimension of
vehicles permitted under paragraph (1) of subsection (f) of
Section 15-107.

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(Source: P.A. 101-328, eff. 1-1-20.)